Unity Recovery Philadelphia
Free recovery community organization offering one-on-one peer support, mutual aid meetings, re-entry and forensic peer support for people leaving the justice system, pregnant and postpartum recovery support, employment help and naloxone at a seven-day-a-week drop-in center. No enrollment required for meetings and activities.
Pennsylvania Recovery Organizations Alliance (PRO-A)
Statewide voice for Pennsylvania's recovery community. Certifies peer recovery specialists, runs a training institute, and keeps a resource library on employment, criminal history, family support and health insurance for people in recovery; it points people needing treatment to the state's county drug and alcohol offices.
PA Get Help Now Helpline
State-run line staffed by trained professionals who help Pennsylvanians find and get into drug and alcohol treatment, compare facilities by insurance accepted, and reach their county drug and alcohol office for assessment and funding.
Voeghtly Street Shelter
Fifty-bed emergency shelter on Pittsburgh's North Side for men, women and children, with breakfast and dinner, showers, clothing and chapel. Guests can move on to Light of Life's long-term recovery programs; the outreach center houses a food pantry, free store and furniture bank.
Bethesda Mission Men's Mission
Harrisburg shelter for men needing emergency shelter or long-term recovery housing; the mission also runs a women's recovery residence, medical and dental clinics, a food bank and a mobile outreach unit. Call before arriving.
Allentown Rescue Mission Emergency Shelter
Overnight emergency shelter for men 18 and older in downtown Allentown, with meals, chapel and on-site medical care through the DeSales Clinic. Men may apply to the eight-week Transformation Program and then join the Clean Team workforce.
Division of Vital Records
Issues certified Pennsylvania birth certificates by mail, online through VitalChek, or in person at public offices. Certificates cost $20 each; online orders add a $10 service fee. Valid identification is required.
Get a Photo ID
State photo identification card for Pennsylvanians who do not drive. Submit form DL-54A by mail or at a Driver License Center with proof of identity, your Social Security card and, if 18 or older, two proofs of address; your photo is taken at the Photo Center and the card issued.
Apply for Benefits through COMPASS
Pennsylvania's application portal for SNAP, Medical Assistance, cash assistance and related programs. Apply online at COMPASS, through the myCOMPASS PA mobile app, by phone through the Statewide Customer Service Center, or in person at a County Assistance Office.
PA 211
Free, confidential information and referral line for all of Pennsylvania. Call or text to be connected to local help with housing, utilities, food, employment and other needs; a searchable directory is at search.pa211.org.
National lines that work in Pennsylvania
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates connect you to local shelters and legal help.
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referral for substance use and mental health. Finds local programs that take your insurance or none.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of trafficking and people who suspect it. Connects to vetted local services.